The Temecula Equestrian Coalition picked a perfect place and time to come out to the horse-owning public. That was at Galway Downs during the US Eventing Association’s American Eventing Championships, this past August.
The Championships drew horse owners and enthusiasts from around the country. No matter where they came from, those who visited TEC’s ringside information booth understood the Coalition’s mission instantly.
It was all too familiar.
“The subject of being pushed out of their community was a conversation we had with many people,” reports Beth Good, president of the Coalition’s Executive Board. “It’s one thing that rings true across the country and they are all having to fight to keep horses in their community. They know the equestrian lifestyle is under threat, that horse shows are disappearing and that horses are getting pushed out.”
Not letting that happen in Temecula Valley is TEC’s increasingly urgent goal. Its mission is to “unite and amplify the voice of those who live, work and ride in Temecula Valley Wine Country.”
“We represent a diverse community of horse owners, venue operators, trainers, breeders and supporters working together to protect equestrian land use, economic viability and cultural heritage for generations to come,” TEC’s mission statement continues.
“TEC is a practical, values-driven alliance rooted in stewardship, rural tradition, and a belief that a strong equestrian presence benefits the entire region.”
The Coalition began to take shape concurrent with the proposal that Galway Downs host equestrian competition for the 2028 LA Olympics. Leaders including Beth, however, acknowledged the critical need for the Coalition with or without the Olympics. Organization was well underway when the LA28 Olympic committee opted for a Los Angeles venue earlier this year and the Coalition’s growth is accelerating.
Getting Involved
Joining the Coalition’s mailing list and completing a short survey are the first steps for all. The mailing list assures notification of TEC initiatives and opportunities to speak up, volunteer and/or join a committee. Completing the five-minute survey helps TEC understand the interests, experience and priorities of those it represents.
Beth encourages all to review the seven pillars of focus found on the Coalition’s website and to determine which areas are the best fit for your priorities and potential contributions.
The Coalition welcomes support from various sectors, Beth stresses. “Maybe you can show up at a planning meeting, or a Chamber of Commerce style business mixer.”
Land use and zoning protection are priorities for Beth, as a horsewoman and a Temecula Valley realtor who specializes in horse properties. “I want to see horses thrive in our community for future generations,” she explains.
Part of that will be ensuring that the area’s major ranches can operate in a financially viable way. “I believe that horses’ continued presence here has to do with the viability of our competition venues,” she adds. “They need to be present and thriving, or we horse owners might as well load up and haul out.”
Clarifying permitted uses for land currently within the Wine Country Equestrian Zone is one example of efforts with great potential for assuring these ranches’ future.
“I was shocked to see that the Wine Country Equestrian Zone ordinance doesn’t have anything clearly written that addresses living-quarter horse trailers or RVs,” Beth notes of an issue that falls under the Coalition’s land use and zoning protection focus. “That surprises me because so many people want to stay on site when they’re showing horses.”
The Coalition expects that knowledgeable, responsible horse people can help align regulations with the realities of managing a financially viable horse property or equestrian business.
Visit TemeculaEquestrians.org to learn more and join efforts to preserve and promote the equestrian lifestyle.
